From farm work at 10 to Padma Shri at 70: Mahendra Nath Roy’s journey to become world’s top 2% scientist

At three, he lost his father. At 10, he was working the fields before an hour to school. At 14, he handed his scholarship money to his mother instead of spending it on himself. Decades later, Professor Mahendra Nath Roy holds a Padma Shri, has guided over 70 PhD scholars, published 589 research papers, authored 20 books, and is counted among the world’s top 2% scientists. The distance in between was not luck, but pure will.

When Roy's name appeared on the list of Padma Shri awardees in 2026 for his contributions to chemistry, it marked the culmination of a journey that began in a small village on the banks of the Teesta River in West Bengal.

Roy was born in Baxiganj Bholarhat village in Cooch Behar district into a family that struggled to make ends meet. His father left behind seven bighas of agricultural land as the family’s only means of survival.

"My mother wanted me to stop studying after primary school and take up farming," Roy recalls. "But I always loved studies and wanted to continue my education."

Also read Govt school to Glasgow: NIT Agartala civil engineer wins Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship

A scholarship that changed everything

Roy’s determination showed early. In 1971, while in Class IV, he appeared for the national scholarship examination, called ‘Britti’, and secured a first division. This earned him a national scholarship – a turning point in his life. "After the scholarship, my mother allowed me to continue my studies," he said.

Life, however, remained difficult. Every morning, before school, Roy worked in the fields. He walked nearly an hour each way to attend class and returned home on foot every evening.

"Our livelihood depended on whatever we could earn. Life was really tough. But I loved studying and always ranked first in class," he said.

The scholarship money did not go towards personal expenses. Instead, he handed it over to his mother to support the household. ”Education, for me, was never an individual pursuit; it was a means of lifting the family out of hardship,” he added.

Higher education: BSc chemistry, B.Ed

After school, Roy faced another challenge – his mother now pushed for marriage over higher education. He resisted and pressed on. "I struggled a lot to continue my education after Class 10. But I knew that studying was the only way forward," he said.

He completed his BSc in chemistry with distinction and began giving private tuition classes, a practice he had started while he was in Class 11. The earnings helped him support himself and his family.

In 1985, Roy secured admission in the department of chemistry at the University of North Bengal in Siliguri – his first experience of hostel life. Alongside his studies, he continued offering tuition classes. He completed his master's degree in 1987 and simultaneously earned a B.Ed degree, a 10-month course then, from Jalpaiguri B.Ed Training College.

Also read Lamp-lit home to London lab: IIT Hyderabad PhD from Bengal village wins Marie Curie postdoc fellowship

Research, Teaching: A parallel life

Even after landing a permanent teaching post in a government school in Siliguri in 1989, he did not slow down. Guided by professor D K Hazra, he continued publishing research work alongside his teaching duties.

"I was teaching and conducting research at the same time. I continued publishing papers because research was my passion," he said.

After completing his PhD, Roy appeared for the Public Service Commission examinations and joined Malda Government College in July 1991, as an assistant professor of chemistry. Four years later, he joined the University of North Bengal as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry.

Over the years, Roy served in several leadership positions, headed departments, collaborated with researchers across the world and built an impressive body of scientific work.

His research focuses on solution thermodynamics, inclusion complexes and nanoparticles — areas that eventually brought him national recognition. "The Padma Shri has been awarded for my work in these three fields of chemistry," he said.

Research and impact on life

One of his notable research areas involves nanoparticles designed to reduce the harmful effects of nicotine. According to Roy, these nanoparticles can be used in cigarette manufacturing to help filter nicotine and reduce its impact on smokers.

Another significant area of his work involves nanoparticles that can neutralise free radicals generated in the stomach after consuming stale, oily or excessively spicy food. The findings were published in 2023 and have potential medical applications. "This research has helped in developing medicines for various health conditions," he explained.

Also read How Samarth portal glitches plague admissions, exams, payments across universities

He has published more than 589 research papers, authored 20 books and guided over 70 PhD scholars during his career – a record in the history of University of North Bengal so far.

In 2020, he was appointed the founding vice-chancellor of Alipurduar University, where he played a key role in establishing the institution. "I treated the university like my home. I spent most of my time there, planted lots of Segune (Teak) trees and worked for the development of the university.”

In 2023, Roy returned to University of North Bengal as professor and dean of the faculty of Science and Arts, Commerce and Law. His achievements have earned him several honours such as FRSC (London), CV Raman Prize, the Banga Bhushan award from the government of West Bengal, and many others.

Yet, for Roy, the work is far from over. "I want to continue working for the students of Bengal and for India. I want to keep teaching, conducting research and contributing to science.”